Diabetes is the co-morbid condition most strongly associated with the development of pressure ulcers in nursing home residents, according to a new analysis of existing research.

Investigator Yuta Kurashige, M.D., Ph.D., identified seven studies that have been done on this topic. The smallest involved 827 residents in the United Kingdom, and the largest involved more than 14,600 residents in the United States.

Six of the seven studies found that diabetes mellitus is associated with pressure ulcer development, according to Kurashige, of the Hachioji Medical Center at Tokyo Medical University.

Some of the studies found that Parkinson's disease, hip fracture and peripheral vascular disease also are correlated with pressure ulcer development, but other studies found that these conditions are not associated with PUs, Kurashige found. His findings are published in the International Journal of Clinical Dermatology & Research.

When taking other care settings into account, the correlation between pressure ulcers and diabetes emerged even more clearly, showing that clinicians should be especially sensitive to the risks presented by diabetic patients or residents, Kurashige concluded.

These findings are not likely to surprise many long-term care professionals, who are on the front lines in wound care. Those seeking the most current information on practices, including outsourcing for wound care, can tune in to a highly anticipated McKnight's Online Expo webcast featuring Jeffrey M. Levine, M.D., CMD, AGSF.

Levine is one of the foremost experts in the field today. He is affiliated with the Center for Advanced Wound Care and the Division of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in Manhattan.

His session will take place at 1 p.m. Eastern on March 26. One continuing education credit is available.